A HIT-and-run driver who struck a seven-year-old girl attempting to cross Commercial Road has been spared prison, after a court heard he wanted to apologise to her and was sorry for his actions.

Harjoyte Aujla, 24, of Grange Park, was speeding down the busy street in an Audi M4 on the afternoon of July 24, overtaking passing cars and a forklift truck when he raced over a zebra crossing.

Three young girls were making their way over the crossing at the time when the car struck one of them, making no effort to slow down or stop.

Appearing deeply regretful in court, Aujla produced a letter he had written to the girl to apologise for his actions after pleading guilty to failing to stop after an accident which caused injury, failing to report the accident and driving without due care and attention.

James Burnham, prosecuting, told Swindon magistrates: “The incident is captured on CCTV pointing towards the crossing, which shows the defendant driving a silver Audi M4.

“The CCTV operator recorded the incident about one minute before 3pm showing the Audi pulling out onto the road, overtaking other cars and accelerating, straddling the centre of the two lanes.

“There were numerous pedestrians and cars pulling out of nearby junctions.

“There was a heavy duty forklift truck turning into the road.

“The Audi, still accelerating, passed close by to the forklift, whose driver swerved to avoid contact with the Audi, which was seen to accelerate further while approaching the crossing.

“The forklift slowed because there were people on the crossing but the Audi went straight across. It could be that they were shielded from view by the forklift.

“There was contact and [the girl] was struck by the vehicle, which resulted in her being taken to hospital.”

A statement from the girl’s mother said she thought the collision had been more serious, instead of just striking her daughter on the leg.

She said at the time the road had seemed clear and they started to cross when the car appeared out of nowhere and raced through the crossing. She estimates the speed at over 40 miles an hour.

Sam Arif, defending, said: “Mr Aujla is very sorry for this incident. He brought a letter to court of his own volition to give to the girl indicating he would like to apologise to her.

“He is of previous good character so this is quite a traumatic experience for him. He has genuine remorse for this incident but does not seek to minimise his actions.”

The chairman of the bench, Margaret Penfound, imposed 100 hours of unpaid work and banned Aujla from driving for six months.

“There are several aggravating features here which suggest a fine would be inappropriate,” she said.

He was also given a 12-month community order for for failing to stop and failing to report an accident, a £200 fine for careless driving, a victim surcharge of £60 and £85 court costs.